The University of Ceramic Tile and Stone (UofCTS) has released an updated version of the Understanding the Basics of Ceramic Tile online technical and sales training course.

Both the U.S. version and the Canadian version of this course were updated.

The updated course offers a comprehensive look at ceramic tile uses, including industry standards, installation methods, avoiding problems, sales training and how to work effectively with clients.

The updated course has an expanded section on glass tile and mosaics. There are new sections on thin porcelain tile panels, tools, tile patterns, tile layout process and options, steam rooms and curbless showers; including updates to important industry standards. The updated course was created with the latest HTML5 technology that allows students to access the courses with mobile devices such as smart phones and ipads.

UofCTS created and recently released a new online course for the Ceramic Tile Distributors Association (CTDA). The online course is called the CTDA Certified Ceramic Tile Specialist (CCTS) Study Guide. This course is for those who are planning on taking the CCTS test. It gives them all of the information they need to know for the CCTS test and the student gets access to the course up until the time they pass the test. 

UofCTS is currently in the process of updating the UofCTS Tile Installer Thin-set Standards (ITS) Verification online course. Due to the high demand for this ITS course, the updated course will have additional sections on how to install gauged porcelain tile panels (thin porcelain tile panels), how to grout with cementitious and epoxy grouts, how to installed shower receptors, steam showers and curbless showers and how to layout your tile work. There will be an expanded section on installing glass tile and mosaics, and most important, all of the relevant industry standards will be updated or added. Both the U.S. version and the Canadian version of this course are being updated. Also, both the English version of this course and the Spanish version will be updated.

UofCTS is also currently in the process of developing a new UofCTS online course. Due to many requests from architects and architectural sales representatives, UofCTS is developing an online course called “Tile and Stone Specifications and Working with Architects.” The objective of this course is to teach how to write quality tile and stone architectural installation specifications, and to teach sales reps how to work with architects to generate specifications for their products. This course is designed both for the architect and arch rep to teach them how to write a proper tile and stone specification. It is also designed to teach the sales representative how to develop what we call a bullet proof spec and how to track and protect that spec in order to turn it into an order. This course will be part of the requirements for those who want to become a Certified Tile Specialist (CTS) or a Certified Stone Specialist (CSS) through the UofCTS.

For more information, visit uofcts.org.